A Note on the Use of the Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) of Gravity Data, with Reference to Indonesian Cases

The analysis of gravity data is based, among others, on their horizontal and vertical gradients. Horizontal gradients can be directly estimated from the spatially distributed data, while the vertical derivative can be calculated in either space or wave-number domain. Historically, the Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) of gravity data is known to be able to delineate anomalous sources\u27 boundaries. The paper discusses the incorrect use of the SVD of gravity data, with reference to current practices in Indonesia. The SVD relative magnitude along a profile is often used to define whether a density contrast and its dipping orientation correspond to a normal or reverse fault, which might be geologically incorrect. We exemplify our analysis using both synthetic and field data